Listening Texts
Frogs have big eyes and long tongues. With their big eyes they can see in all directions. They use their long tongues to catch insects.
What have I learnt? (Units 13–15) page 102 Look at the diagram of the plant. Tell pupils to listen carefully and point to each part of the plant as you talk about it. Read the text, then read again as far as ** and ask questions 1 and 2. Read the rest of the text and ask questions 3 and 4. A plant has three important parts – the roots, the stem and the leaves. Some plants also have flowers. ** • The roots keep the plant in the ground and they also take water from the soil. • The stem holds up the plant and takes water to the leaves. • The leaves take in sunshine and turn it into food for the plant.
Did you know that frogs don’t drink water? They absorb it through their skin.
Finally, most frogs shed their skin once a week or more – and guess what they do with the old skin. They eat it! Elicit from pupils that this is information because it gives true information (facts) about frogs. With pupils, read the questions from page 84 and then read the above text again.
Unit 16 Listen up! page 103 Anansi and the Pot of Beans
Unit 14 Listen up! page 90
This poem is written in Creole. Read it aloud – if necessary, changing any phrases into a version of Creole with which your pupils are familiar – then discuss the questions on page 90. After discussion, use phrases from the poem to talk about some of the difference between Standard English and Creole.
Read the title, ‘Anansi and the pot of beans’ and ask pupils if you are going to read a true story or one that is make believe. Ask pupils what they know about Anansi. What sort of character is he? Read the story, translating the characters’ spoken words into Creole. As a separate exercise, ask pupils to how they would say some of those phrases in Standard English. Grandma Spider needed help in her garden but Anansi didn’t want to work. “I’d like to help you, Grandma,” he said. “But I’m sick.” “Oh dear,” said Grandma. “That’s a pity because I’m fixing your favourite food – hot, spicy beans.” Now Anansi loves beans so he grabbed his hat and said, “Comin’ right now, Grandma.”
When me gro up When mi gro up me war fu be Jus’ like mi antie Grace Doin’ ev’ry likkle ting Wid happy smiley face.
Unit 15 Listen up! page 96
Read or sing this song to pupils for their enjoyment, emphasising the rhythm and rhyme. You can make up your own melody or search online for a musical version of this traditional song.
Pause and ask: Why did Anansi change his mind?
When they got to Grandma’s house Anansi said, “I’ll have those beans now please, Grandma.” “No,” said Grandma. “First you must do the work,” and she went into her kitchen.
Oats and beans and barley grow Oats and beans and barley grow Do you or I or anyone know How oats and beans and barley grow? First the farmer pulls a weed Then the farmer sews the seed Stamps his feet and claps his hands Turns around to view the land.
Ask pupils to summarise the story so far.
Anansi set to work planting seeds. Soon, Grandma called out, “I’m going to the store to get some more spice. Don’t touch those beans bubbling on the stove.” “No, Ma’am” promised Anansi. When she was gone, Anansi thought. “There’s no harm in just smelling the beans.” And he went into the kitchen and lifted the lid on the pot of bubbling, sweet-smelling beans.
Read or sing it again, asking pupils to sing with you. This time, ask pupils to make up actions to go with the second verse.
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